Latest news with #DEPwD
United News of India
a day ago
- Health
- United News of India
Hyd: Thousands of disabled persons participate in yoga at Kanha Shanti Vanam
States » South Hyderabad, June 21 (UNI) Over 3,500 persons with disabilities performed yoga and shared their valuable thoughts on yoga at the 11th International Yoga Day celebrations held at the world's largest meditation centre at Kanha Shanti Vana, the headquarters of Heartfulness, on outskirts of Hyderabad, on Saturday. The event was organized by the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD), Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment (MSJ&E), in association with Heartfulness and NIEPID (National Institute of Empowerment of Persons with Intellectual Disabilities) by inviting Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) from across the country cutting across various disabilities. Chief guest Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment Dr Virendra Kumar graced the occasion. Public representatives from the State of Telangana and officials from the DEPwD, MSJ&E, were also present. Speaking on the occasion, Dr Virendra said, 'It is very inspiring to watch the huge numbers of 'divyangjans' showing what resilience, determination and true inner spirit can achieve in the world. In unison, they are outshining the world because they have seen the light within. As a land of mystics, the gift of yoga to the world is not merely for physical wellbeing. It is a tool for holistic wellness – mental, emotional and spiritual as well. Over a decade now since International Yoga Day has been recognised by the United Nations, may India continue to inspire the world with its ancient wisdom for millennia to come.' More than 3,500 Persons with Disabilities (Divyangjans) from 21 categories such as visual impairment, hearing impairment, locomotors disability, intellectual and developmental disabilities, autism, cerebral palsy, Thalassemia, leprosy, dwarfism, low vision, multiple disability, mental illness, muscular dystrophy, speech & language, sickle cell disease, acid attack victim, specific learning disability, multiple sclerosis, haemophilia & Perkinson's disease showcased their inner strength and resilience by performing yoga at Kanha Wellness Centre at Kanha Shanti Vanam. The event is followed by cultural programmes (performed by the Divyangjans) display of publications, art gallery, free distribution of machinery by DEPwD to parents of PwIDs, donation of block-printing material to RCs and CRCs, parent training programme, and more. UNI KNR SS
India Today
4 days ago
- Politics
- India Today
NCERT to revise curriculum to improve access for children with disabilities
In a move to promote inclusive education for children with disabilities, the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD) has signed a tripartite agreement with the National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS) and the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT).The agreement, signed on Wednesday in the presence of Union Ministers Virendra Kumar and Dharmendra Pradhan, aims to create a more accessible and inclusive education system in line with the goals of the National Education Policy (NEP) part of the collaboration, NIOS will begin recognising special schools run by NGOs under the Deendayal Disabled Rehabilitation Scheme (DDRS) as Special Accredited Institutions for Education of the Disabled (SAIEDs). These schools will offer a range of academic and vocational courses, including open basic education and senior secondary programmes. NIOS will manage all aspects related to admissions, exams, study materials, and exam accommodations for these support this initiative, NCERT will work on reviewing and adapting textbooks and curriculum content to make them more inclusive and accessible for students with disabilities. The changes will ensure that the learning materials align with NEP 2020 Minister Virendra Kumar said that every child, regardless of ability, deserves a chance at education. "This agreement reflects the government's vision that inclusive education is a right for all children," he Minister Dharmendra Pradhan echoed the sentiment, highlighting the importance of education in building a fair and aware society. He added that improving school infrastructure, including accessible toilets, will be a key focus area to reduce dropout rates amongst children with Secretary Rajesh Aggarwal underlined the government's efforts to widen access to quality education for students with disabilities, even in top institutions like IITs and also appreciated NIOS's recent move to introduce Indian Sign Language as a subject at the secondary Kumar, Secretary of the Department of School Education and Literacy, stressed the need to ensure that every child with a disability completes their ensure smooth implementation of this initiative, a Joint Coordination Committee comprising members from DEPwD, NIOS, and NCERT will be formed.(With PTI inputs)Must Watch
Time of India
4 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Centre signs MoU to advance inclusive education for children with disabilities
NEW DELHI: The Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities on Wednesday signed a tripartite agreement with the NIOS and the NCERT to strengthen inclusive education for Persons with Disabilities (PwD). Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment Virendra Kumar and Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan presided over the signing ceremony held here, a statement issued by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment said. The collaboration seeks to review and adapt curriculum and textbooks to ensure alignment with the principles and pedagogical approaches of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, focusing on relevance, accessibility and inclusivity for learners with disabilities. The Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD) comes under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. As part of the agreement, the National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS) will recognise special schools run by NGOs under the Deendayal Disabled Rehabilitation Scheme (DDRS) as Special Accredited Institutions for Education of the Disabled (SAIEDs). These institutions will offer a variety of academic and vocational programmes, from open basic education to senior secondary courses, with the NIOS handling admissions, examinations, study material distribution and provision of examination-related accommodations. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch CFD với công nghệ và tốc độ tốt hơn IC Markets Đăng ký Undo The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) will support the initiative by reviewing and adapting the curriculum and textbooks to enhance accessibility and inclusivity, in line with the NEP 2020 guidelines. "Children with disabilities have immense potential. Prime Minister Modi's vision is to ensure no child is left behind when it comes to education," said Kumar. "This MoU reinforces the idea that inclusive education is a right, not a privilege," he said. Pradhan emphasised the role of education in building a just society. "It is our responsibility to build a more sensitive and aware society. The NEP 2020 is a step in that direction. Accessible toilets in schools will also be a focus area in the coming year to prevent dropouts due to inadequate infrastructure," he said. DEPwD Secretary Rajesh Aggarwal said the initiative reflects a commitment to expand opportunities for students with disabilities, including in science education and higher institutions like IITs and IIMs. He lauded the NIOS for introducing Indian sign language as a secondary-level subject. Sanjay Kumar, Secretary of the Department of School Education and Literacy, stressed that the ultimate goal is to ensure that every child with disability completes school. To oversee the implementation of the MoU, a Joint Coordination Committee comprising members from DEPwD, NIOS and NCERT will be established, the statement said. Is your child ready for the careers of tomorrow? Enroll now and take advantage of our early bird offer! Spaces are limited.
Indian Express
4 days ago
- Politics
- Indian Express
Centre, NIOS, NCERT sign agreement to boost inclusive education for children with disabilities
The Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities on Wednesday signed a tripartite agreement with the NIOS and the NCERT to strengthen inclusive education for Persons with Disabilities (PwD). Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment Virendra Kumar and Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan presided over the signing ceremony held here, a statement issued by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment said. The collaboration seeks to review and adapt curriculum and textbooks to ensure alignment with the principles and pedagogical approaches of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, focusing on relevance, accessibility and inclusivity for learners with disabilities. The Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD) comes under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. As part of the agreement, the National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS) will recognise special schools run by NGOs under the Deendayal Disabled Rehabilitation Scheme (DDRS) as Special Accredited Institutions for Education of the Disabled (SAIEDs). These institutions will offer a variety of academic and vocational programmes, from open basic education to senior secondary courses, with the NIOS handling admissions, examinations, study material distribution and provision of examination-related accommodations. The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) will support the initiative by reviewing and adapting the curriculum and textbooks to enhance accessibility and inclusivity, in line with the NEP 2020 guidelines. 'Children with disabilities have immense potential. Prime Minister Modi's vision is to ensure no child is left behind when it comes to education,' said Kumar. 'This MoU reinforces the idea that inclusive education is a right, not a privilege,' he said. Pradhan emphasised the role of education in building a just society. 'It is our responsibility to build a more sensitive and aware society. The NEP 2020 is a step in that direction. Accessible toilets in schools will also be a focus area in the coming year to prevent dropouts due to inadequate infrastructure,' he said. DEPwD Secretary Rajesh Aggarwal said the initiative reflects a commitment to expand opportunities for students with disabilities, including in science education and higher institutions like IITs and IIMs. He lauded the NIOS for introducing Indian sign language as a secondary-level subject. Sanjay Kumar, Secretary of the Department of School Education and Literacy, stressed that the ultimate goal is to ensure that every child with disability completes school. To oversee the implementation of the MoU, a Joint Coordination Committee comprising members from DEPwD, NIOS and NCERT will be established, the statement said.
NDTV
14-06-2025
- Politics
- NDTV
Ramps, Wheelchair Areas: Proposed Changes To Transport Systems For Disabled
New Delhi: A new draft framework has proposed sweeping changes to transport systems to make them more accessible for persons with disabilities (PwDs), including mandatory wheelchair space in buses and Metro trains, step-free toilets at stations, level boarding ramps, and trained staff across air, rail and road transport networks. The Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD) under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment has invited comments and suggestions from the stakeholders and general public on the draft accessibility standards for the transport and mobility sector. The draft 'Transport Accessibility Framework' has been prepared by the Strategic Accessibility Cell – Rights of Riders (SAC-RR). It lays out detailed, enforceable standards across the transport chain – from booking and boarding to infrastructure, vehicles and emergency response. Most measures are marked 'non-negotiable', meaning they would be binding once the guidelines take effect. The department said these draft standards, which identify non-negotiable rules, have been prepared to strengthen the creation of barrier-free environments in accordance with the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, and relevant rules. According to the draft, all new buses procured under Central schemes must include low-floor entry, ramps, safety belts, and designated wheelchair areas. Existing services such as PM eBus Sewa and Type III intercity buses would also be retrofitted with tested lifts or bridge ramps. At least four priority seats with seatbelts are required in each bus for people with limited mobility. Metro and rail platforms must deploy rubber gap fillers and boarding ramps, while coach doors and aisles must be widened to accommodate wheelchairs. Long-distance trains must include at least one accessible coach with wheelchair anchorage and a Type A toilet with grab bars, the draft noted. At airports, the draft calls for step-free access from parking to check-in, aerobridges with rollout ramps, designated wheelchair-friendly seating in aircraft, and availability of aisle chairs. Air carriers will have to provide storage space for assistive devices, and entertainment systems must include audio description and captions. The guidelines extend to taxi aggregators and e-rickshaws, which must include a share of wheelchair-accessible vehicles and train the drivers in disability assistance. Ropeways and ferries have also been brought under the framework, with specific norms on rescue equipment, platform gaps, and universal toilet access. In addition, transport hubs would need to build quiet or sensory rooms for neurodivergent passengers, install tactile guiding strips, and provide clear signage using both text and QR codes. Apps and online platforms must be made accessible, and complaint data related to disability access should be published on the portal. The framework also includes time-bound budgeting and procurement provisions and urges immediate updates to national policies such as the Motor Vehicles Act, urban bus specifications, and building codes. Stakeholder consultations on the guidelines are presently underway, with the final version expected to come out after deliberations, a senior official said.
